Finest Saluted

Jamestown Community Chamber Honors 2012’s Award Winners

February 13, 2013

On Tuesday, the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce saluted the community's finest.

At the Dr. Lillian V. Ney Renaissance Center in Jamestown, the chamber held its 11th annual ''Salute to our Finest'' recognition reception. Seven organizations and individuals were recognized for their service to the community.

"We're here to celebrate the great work and great business many of our members do," said Greg Krauza, county Chamber of Commerce member development director.

Article Photos

Pictured are award recipients from Salute To Our Finest during Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce 11th annual recognition reception Tuesday. Seven organizations and individuals were recognized with awards: the Eastside YMCA, service to humanity; John Bauer, community service; Gateway Center Train Station; pride of Jamestown; Jamestown Mattress, retailer of the year; Robo Enterprises Inc., business of the year; Patient’s Pharmacy, new business of the year; and Hope’s Window’s Inc., manufacturer of the year.P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

The community service award was given to John Bauer, who was also the 2011 Axel W. Carlson Unsung Hero Volunteer Award winner. Bill Stevenson, award presenter, said Bauer volunteers his time to assist the YWCA, Reg Lenna Civic Center, the Babe Ruth World Series and the Jamestown Labor Day Festival, to name just a few of the organizations he helps.

"It is a pleasure to do volunteer work," Bauer said.

The pride of Jamestown award was given to the Gateway Center Train Station. In May 2010, an $11 million renovation project started to rebuild the closed railroad station. In October 2012, the building was reopened, which now hosts community events and activities. Lee Harkness, Gateway Center Train Station general manager, accepted the award.

"This honor goes to a lot of people," Harkness said about all those who worked on the train station renovation project. "I just have to tell you, I think we're on the right track," he joked to close his award acceptance speech.

The business of the year was Robo Enterprises Inc. The third-generation business owns gas stations, car washes, laundry facilities and the Tastee Corners.

"It's the community and our employees, we couldn't have done it without them," said Kim Carlson, Robo Enterprises co-owner.

The new business of the year was Patient's Pharmacy. Patient's Pharmacy was started in April 2008 and is independently owned by Donald Nash Jr., president, along with Diane Mathews, vice president. The company is a provider in prescription medications and health care supplies for long-term care, assisted living, group homes and skilled nursing facilities. The business had been located along East Second Street, but relocated to downtown Jamestown, 320 N. Main St., last year.

"Being the new kid on the block, I see faces I don't know, but I hope to get to know each one of you," said Nash.

The manufacturer of the year was Hope's Window's Inc. The company has been in business for 100 years. The business makes hand-crafted steel windows. Randy Manitta, Hope's Window's president, said the business has made windows for universities like Yale and MIT, and for local organizations like the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and Robert H. Jackson Center.

"This award is about a lot of people at Hope's Window's," Manitta said about the company's 200 employees.

The retailer of the year was Jamestown Mattress, which is owned by the Pullan family. The business has 10 retail stores in New York and Pennsylvania, and sells 40 different lines of bedding.

The service to humanity award was given to the Eastside YMCA. The center host after-school and academic support programs for Jamestown's youth. The Eastside YMCA assists an average of 60 children a day.